The Cathedral of Saint Emygdius in Ascoli Piceno

It has been one of the most beautiful cathedrals I have been lately: the cathedral of Saint Emygdius in Ascoli Piceno.

It’s situated in the Piazza Arringo where is also located the Palazzo dell’Arengo – another amazing building in this ancient city of the Piceni. Near to the cathedral, like in many medieval cities, there is the baptistery, closed the day I was there. But the cathedral was open and I could take also some photographs inside.

The church was built on an old Roman structure. Historians think that is was built indeed on a Roman church which was already 32 meters long, 13 large and 9 meters high and had three entrances on the side to the ancient forum.

In the 5th or 6th century the shape had its first transformation. Now it got a cross form. In the 8th century a bishop let construct the octagonal dome.

In the 11th century the church was consecrated to Saint Emygdius and added the crypt to lay down the relic of the very same saint. Same time the two towers at the front corners were built (one is remaining? Or just the other one is small?).

Inside the church the first thing I noticed was the blue ceiling. Brilliant colors depicting scenes of the bible, the high windows giving so much light and brightness. It is a simple yet a highly decorated church. White marble columns and inlaid marble floor, a golden altar (the one thing I thought overloaded) and beautiful mosaics….

In that rainy day I was in Ascoli Piceno it was definitely the absolute highlight to visit this cathedral. I was lucky to find it open and not encountering too many people as well inside. I feel bad taking photos when people are kneeling and praying. The ‘click’ of the shutter of my camera is amplifying in the church – at least it seems to me, though.

If you happen to visit Ascoli Piceno (what I recommend highly!) then don’t miss this wonderful cathedral in the as well amazing Piazza Arringo. It’s just in the center of the city, parallel to the street with the most shops (anyway closed between 1 pm and 4 pm).

Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche/Italy:

For further information:
Ascoli Piceno Tourism website (in Italian)

Be sociable, tell others!

•